Can You Understand (Renaissance, 1973)

This 10 minutes opener of "Ashes Are Burning" is a favourite of mine since I first listened to it. Mighty and sensitive, classical and easy flowing, everchanging and colourful, "Can You Understand" perfectly represents the kind of Music Renaissance are famous for. Strong melodic fountations, highly creative arrangements, airy instrumental parts and - last but not least - Annie Haslam's unique voice. 

 

 A press photo of the band circa 1973. The way they were...

As usual with Renaissance, the piano plays a central role in this song, connecting its different sections and launching Annie's highlights. Another special mention goes here to bassist Jon Camp, whose work is simply superb, while the symmetrical and daring structure of this composition still amazes me. Definitely one of the best epics by Renaissance, an unsurpassed canon.

Kings And Queens (Renaissance, 1969)

Even before their most known line-up, even before Annie Haslam's splendid voice, Renaissance were an excellent band, trying to play a music beyond all the barriers of genre and public. "Kings And Queens", from their debut self-named album, is a perfect example of that. The eclectic approach, the piano central role, the catchy but also rocky tunes and the tempo changes draw a musical world of its own.

This is the original UK release cover art of the album.

The intense and arcane slow section is one of the most exciting breaks I've ever listened to, so full of hidden energy... The returning Spanish colour of "Kings And Queens" also contribute to the manifold atmosphere of this song, and the simple and effective vocal harmonies also do. A highly dynamic and colourful musical carpet... then, of course, Annie came in.

Ashes Are Burning (Renaissance, 1973)

One of the most known and appreciated tracks of Renaissance, this is the title track of Renaissance's fourth album and one of the best vocal performances of Annie Haslam. This is not all, of course: in its 11 minutes of sparkling music, you'll find John Tout's  brilliant piano and keyboard solos, with a heartbreaking Hammond I adore and an impressive series of creative bass lines. And then... there's the rightly famous solo guitar by guest musician Andy Powell of Wishbone Ash (well, of course... Ashes are important here!).

"Ashes Are Burning" is definitely one of my favourites.

 

Andy's bluesy performance shines upon the keyboards and the rising drums, an excellent finale for such a good track, whose dynamic changes will always amaze me. I must spend another word about Annie's voice to finish my post: she reaches the highest notes without any volume decrease or tone impurity... a real wonder I appreciate more and more as I grow old.

Song of Scheherazade (Renaissance, 1975)

Renaissance are one of the most controversial prog bands ever. The world is sharply divided in two: those who love them in an almost religious way and those who treat them like false prog or even musical trash. Well, I think they're great and this suite always charms me with its classical and oriental flavour. I like them and above all I like Annie Haslam's pure voice.

Renaissance today.

This 24 minute suite is a real treat and also a musical tour de force exploring different classical sources in its nine movements. So you'll find not only Rimsky-Korsakov here, but also folk-rock, Arabic variations, sudden changes, beautiful melodies and - last but not least - smart lyrics about Scheherazade's story as read in 1000 And One Nights. Nothing is more risky than orchestral arrangements in a rock track, but Renaissance succeed in melting all the orchestra sections and the electric instruments in a majestic but never exceeding epic. As usual with them, the sound is bright and warm. This is like a ride through Wonderland, except that you're not Alice, I suppose.